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She was born on November 30, 1940, in Laurium, a daughter of the the late Robert and Dorothy (Hoffman) Faller.
Joan graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1958, and soon thereafter married the late Edward Waara and together they raised 5 children. She later received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Michigan University in 1986. Over her lifespan she worked at C & H, Superior National Bank, The Michigan House, and taught elementary children for several years.
On August 19, 1987 she married the love of her life, Peter Maierle of Calumet. They shared many years of happiness together, including summers spent in Rabbit Bay on Lake Superior. He preceded her in death on February 9, 2013.
Joanie was gifted and talented in many ways. She played the piano since she was a child and continued to play until her passing, and gave lessons to many over the years. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, & baking. Her talent of a being a seamstress helped many people over the years with the teddy bears she made for friends, family, and Lake Superior Hospice. She also had a love for playing cards, especially pinochle. She was an amazing cook who loved hosting for her friends and family, especially holiday dinners.
Joan was a kind, generous and compassionate woman who gave of herself to many. She was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Calumet, volunteered at Little Brothers, and Lake Superior Hospice. Joan was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. “Nana” was a special influence in the lives of her great grandchilden “J” and Lyla and treasured their time together.
Surviving are her five children: Ron (Chris) Waara of Mud Lake, Claire (Tom) Waara of Norway, Ellen (Randy) Britton of Marquette, Tom (Kierstin) Waara of Lake Linden, and Carolyn (Mark) Hughes of Duluth, MN, eight grandchildren: Sara (John), Rob (Jessica), Phil (Nicole), Max, Billy, Maya, Jack and Lily, three great grandchildren: John IV “J”, Lyla, and Macie, brother: James (Cindy) Faller, sister: Mary (Don) Ross, numerous nieces and nephews, friend and travel companion Eli Isotalo, and her sheltie, Mickey.
Joan will be missed by many, and her sudden loss has left her family heartbroken. Her family finds comfort and peace that she is with her Lord and Saviour and they will see her again someday.
Friends may call the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet, on Friday from 5-8 p.m. with a parish prayer at 7:45 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul the Apostle Church in Calumet.
A Spring Burial will be in the Lake View Cemetery in Calumet.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
